The Enforcement Directorate (ED), a law enforcement agency in India, conducted raids at the offices and residence of the founder of Byju’s, a leading edtech company in India, over alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The raids were conducted in January 2022 at multiple locations, including the company’s headquarters in Bengaluru and the founder’s residence in Kerala.
According to media reports, the ED had launched an investigation into Byju’s in 2019 over allegations of violation of FEMA laws related to receiving foreign investment without prior approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The ED alleged that Byju’s had received foreign direct investment (FDI) of around INR 3.75 billion (approximately $51 million) from three Mauritius-based entities without seeking necessary approvals from the RBI.
Byju’s denied any wrongdoing and stated that the company had complied with all applicable laws and regulations. The company stated that it had received investments from reputed investors after obtaining all necessary approvals from the concerned authorities.
The ED’s investigation and raids at Byju’s offices and founder’s residence created a stir in India’s edtech industry, which has seen significant growth in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The incident highlighted the need for companies to comply with all applicable laws and regulations related to foreign investments in India.
Sure, here is some more information on the news about ED raids on Byju’s offices and residence over FEMA violation:
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on the offices and residence of Byju’s founder, Byju Raveendran, and other top executives on April 28, 2023, in connection with an alleged violation of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). According to sources, the raids were conducted to investigate allegations of irregularities in Byju’s fundraising from foreign investors.
Byju’s is one of the most valued edtech startups in India, with a valuation of around $18 billion. The company has raised significant funding from various global investors, including Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB), Naspers Ventures, and Tencent.
The ED is investigating whether Byju’s received foreign investments through a direct or indirect route, in violation of FEMA regulations. Under FEMA guidelines, Indian companies are required to comply with certain guidelines while raising funds from foreign investors.
The ED raids have come at a time when Byju’s has been expanding its presence in the Indian edtech market and making strategic acquisitions to consolidate its position. The company recently acquired Great Learning, a leading online professional learning platform, for $1.5 billion, which was one of the largest edtech acquisitions in India.
Byju’s has not issued any official statement on the ED raids yet. The investigation is still ongoing, and further details are awaited.